| Author |
Message |
Glen Fernandes
Newbie
South Australia
TT
Posts: 4
Reg: 08-2010
|
Hey guys I have recently got into some money and I want a new car, a Soarer as you probably guessed 
But I am not sure what I should look for when I go to test drive, look for known issues etc. I have a budget of anything under the 6k range.
I have recently been looking at this beauty in Sydney, http://bit.ly/nukF8y but the only issue is getting it registered here in Adelaide and driving it all the way back, which I do not have the time to do..and I looked at getting it delivered but its just extra money I do not have to spend on the car at the moment.
And I only just noticed this one: http://bit.ly/niiahS it is in local, but its a dealer, and I have heard some not so good things about dealers..although I did by my daily '93 Camry from one and its been amazing for the past 2 years, but I have always wanted something more fun and exciting.
Opinions? Thoughts? Wise words from experienced souls? I'd appreciate them all |
Damian Ware
Goo Roo
Victoria
UZZ32
Posts: 2053
Reg: 10-2005
|
Both those cars are twin turbos not a V8 sometimes called SC400 (sc400 was only available in the US and is a budget cut down version).
IMO there is no comparison between the V8 and TT's they are just so different.
You need to drive both (good examples) and decide what you want. |
Glen Fernandes
Newbie
South Australia
TT
Posts: 5
Reg: 08-2010
|
Oh ok, I have driven a V8 Soarer before it handles SO much better than my Camry, I am guessing because it is lighter in comparison, plus the RWD aspect is so much more fun. But I reckon I like the twin turbo aspect of the 1jz's better. And I heard they were more fuel efficient(?)
Haha yeah I know the two are 6's hence the comparison I was just asking what should I look for i.e. know flaws etc in the two seeing as it was what I think I prefer anyway. |
Drew Rechner
DieHard
South Australia
JZZ30 TT
Posts: 538
Reg: 10-2007
|
The one in Sydney is interesting. Anyone notice the 5th seatbelt in the back? I thought all Soarers were only four seaters..?
When buying a Soarer there are only a couple things to check over:
1. Check the dash is working ok (not blinking).
2. Check if any blue smoke on start up and running (turbo oil seals perish after time).
3. Check the radiator top tank for cracks.
4. Check the trans for bad slipping.
5. Has the water pump been replaced at correct interval?
Soarers are freaking awesome cars and the above isnt to scare you, just things to look out for as they are upwards of 20 years old now. I have owned my soarer now for four years and the most money I have spent on it in one hit was four tires... |
Mike Bradberry
Goo Roo
NSW
540i Sport
Posts: 2197
Reg: 07-2005
|
Glen, you will find that cosmetic things can also be expensive to repair. Minor paint damage can run into the thousands.
If you buy a Limited V8, make sure the airbags are in good condition. Any oil leaks? Fixing these can also cost.
THe V8 responds well to fitting headers, cold air intake, decent exhaust and a chip. Instant power compared to top end power from the TT.
Alternators can cause problems in both the TT and the V8. All suspension bushes should be treated as suspect because of the age of the vehicle.
Having said all that, with careful inspection I'm sure you can still find some excellent examples out there. |
Edison Koh
TryHard
NSW
JZZ30 VVTi
Posts: 174
Reg: 08-2010
|
With regard to fuel consumption, it is partially derived from the way a person drives and how well he maintains the components.
The twin turbo does give more adrenaline rush but the V8 provides the mean exhaust growl and a more consistent power bandwidth as mentioned by Mike. You also tend to get the more luxurious interior items on the V8 (leather trim, EMV, electric seats etc)
Speaking of electronic items, check that they work. It is going to be quite a hassle to source for parts for them. (A/C LCD, Dash, EMV just to name a few items). I once played around with the power window switch while inspecting and the wiring started to smoke.
In addition, check for odd noises while test driving (dont let the fancy BOV sounds or sudden surge of acceleration distract you from your inspection).
Odd noises might include the turbo death whine which is different from normal spooling or knocks over humps which might imply control arm bush issues.
You might get excited but its not so exciting when you are faced with a huge repair bill after the purchase.
There are some diagnostic tests on the forum you can copy down somewhere to bring along with you for your inspection as well. |
Damian Ware
Goo Roo
Victoria
UZZ32
Posts: 2055
Reg: 10-2005
|
Drew Rechner wrote on Saturday, July 09, 2011 - 07:18 pm:1. Check the dash is working ok (not blinking).
IMO this advice is incorrect as the dash clusters are easily fixed and it happens to all of them at some stage.
Buy a good example that is has not been structually damaged, ie no accidents, has been looked after and well maintained.
Ignor kms as 99.99% of soarers have been wound back and have no value, buy on condition!
Also if you want a good example expect to pay for it. |
Ian Johnston
Goo Roo
South Australia
UZZ30 GT 4.0, BA XR6Turbo Ute.
Posts: 1402
Reg: 07-2005
|
Glen, I have a UZZ30(V8) for sale(all coil spring, and the best handling) Am in Mt Gambier if interested, Send me a PM. I would deliver to Adelaide for free.
And am looking for $5,000 ono. |
Damian Ware
Goo Roo
Victoria
UZZ32
Posts: 2057
Reg: 10-2005
|
Ian Johnston wrote on Sunday, July 10, 2011 - 05:57 pm:(all coil spring, and the best handling)
Ian haven't been in a uzz32?? |
Ian Johnston
Goo Roo
South Australia
UZZ30 GT 4.0, BA XR6Turbo Ute.
Posts: 1404
Reg: 07-2005
|
No, but $ for$, the 30 would be in front. Or am I incorrect?? |
Ross Pesina
TryHard
Vic
Soarer T, Soarer TT, Supra TT,
Posts: 483
Reg: 08-2006
|
Glen my best advice is to drive as many as you can and decide from there. Once you've picked one out, have it properly inspected as soarers can hit you with some nasty surprises. If you settle on a V8 with airbags, expect them to die on you eventually.
I've always owned turbos so both my soarers are TTs. But my parents have a later model V8 and I love driving it too.
If you're a bit of a power junky, you'll never beat a TT.
But if you're after something with a bit of power and all the luxury comforts you could ever want, then you can't go wrong with the V8. |
Damian Ware
Goo Roo
Victoria
UZZ32
Posts: 2058
Reg: 10-2005
|
Ian go for a ride in a 32. |
Henry Kamstra
Tinkerer
VIC
V8
Posts: 10
Reg: 01-2010
|
My only advice concerns long distance buying. I'm in Vic. and bought an LS400 from Sydney on eBay which turned out to be no where near as good as it was presented and with a couple of significant defects not disclosed.
Months later and after numerous communications with a seller who wanted top dollar because he was supposedly so fastidious with his baby, I again flew to Sydney to buy a Soarer. The seller picked me up at the airport - the plan being to travel to his northern suburb for the transaction, but I first had him stop at the nearest car-park for a closer look.
Bad news - the condition had not just been over- rated, there were some serious faults including a drivers seat chewed up by his dog and covered by a seatcover.
The guy had straight out lied - how he imagined this wouldn't be evident from the start still amazes me.
Anyway, end result - destination changed to airport for return flight. The next weekend a guy finally returned my email and I went on to buy his car which was almost as good as what I had expected (in Sydney) for half the price, 70kms from home.
I wasn't relying on the photo (Sydney), but bear in mind that almost any car can be made to look good for a photo. |
Glen Fernandes
Tinkerer
South Australia
TT
Posts: 6
Reg: 08-2010
|
Holy s***! Thanks for all the advice! I really didn't expect that much ahaha.
Thanks guys!
I will take everyone's tid bits and put it on a huge "Fault Checklist" that I will take with me when I go car hunting.
Oh and Ian I think I'll go for the turbo's, I don't think I want a V8. Thanks anyway! |
Edison Koh
TryHard
NSW
JZZ30 VVTi
Posts: 176
Reg: 08-2010
|
The 18 year old syndrome!! Turbo = fast and fooly sik car ? Take care on the roads Glen.
Another concern to watch out for would be seller promises. Never take up their offer to help you fix up anything for free with the condition that the vehicle wouldnt be sold at a further discount.
Chances are he is going to delay or end up not helping you at all. My first soarer was such a case.
Like what Damian said about getting what you pay for, if you can afford a little more, get the one which is advertised for more but has been taken care of. You would be surprised at how smoothly it would perform in the following months without you having to spend a single cent (with the exception of oil changes etc). |
Mike Triggs
Goo Roo
Western NSW
3.0GT G-Pack
Posts: 1614
Reg: 07-2005
|
Bear in mind insurance costs too. Cheapest (in general) is n/a 3.0, then V8, then TT most expensive. |
Glen Fernandes
Tinkerer
South Australia
TT
Posts: 7
Reg: 08-2010
|
Edison Koh wrote on Monday, July 11, 2011 - 01:44 pm:
The 18 year old syndrome!! Turbo = fast and fooly sik car ? Take care on the roads Glen.
Hahaha yeah you would think that, but no I am the sensible kind, yes I am young, but doesn't mean I am stupid. I do know a couple of my friends who lost their lives to reckless driving so I don't really want to put my friends to that again.
But it would be a fair generalization, but I do fall into the car loving minority that are safe and if I do have the urge to be senseless I can save it for places where I could test its performance legally i.e. tracks. etc.
But on the case of insurance I am aware and I should have enough money, because it will be on my mums name as well, plus we have some loyalty thing with AAMI because of their no accident policy, but I haven't yet got a quote for a Soarer but I assume it will be high. |
Damian Ware
Goo Roo
Victoria
UZZ32
Posts: 2060
Reg: 10-2005
|
Mum's insurance wont make any differences policy's are now based on the youngest driver.
How much driving experience do you have? Your comments regarding soarer vs camry handling is interesting...
Perhaps you should start with the non turbo 3lt. |
Dan McColl
Goo Roo
Victoria (The Nazi State)
Pretty Red Thing and The Black Beast
Posts: 2916
Reg: 07-2005
|
As mentioned, Mum's insurance won't help, and neither will your AAMI loyalty as AAMI won't touch Imports, and won't touch young drivers in performance/sports cars. |
Scott Vim
TryHard
Vic
Soarer (1uz) Chaser (1jz)
Posts: 182
Reg: 12-2010
|
If you're 18 I'm not even sure if you can drive a TT legally? Even if you can expect to pay $1600 in insurance. As soon as you say turbo and young driver expect to pay.
I've got a v8 soarer and it's seriously one of the best cars you'll ever ride in. |
Ali Saeed
Goo Roo
WA
UZZ31
Posts: 3549
Reg: 09-2007
|
$1600????? LOL my 18 year old mate pays $3000 for his 05 Falcon. i imagine a TT soarer would be around that for an 18 year old |
Gary Rollason
TryHard
Qld
TT 5 speed
Posts: 324
Reg: 05-2007
|
Pfft! For a 20yr old car worth around $6k forget the comprehensive insurance. Just make sure you have 3rd party property for any damage you may do if you smash into a merc or something.
3rd party property with fire and theft cover will be <$500. 3rd party only around $200-300.
shop around |
Glen Fernandes
Tinkerer
South Australia
TT
Posts: 8
Reg: 08-2010
|
Well I am definitely getting some attention with this post...I'll let you guys know what I learn
Once I get a car I'll let you know what insurance I get hooked up with.
And yes I'll see if can get more experience in more cars. Well not very much but I am on my P2's so I can drive V8's and turbo's because they passed the law AFTER I got my P's, so I am in the clear, I even got a little letter from the government saying it was ok for me to drive any of the banned V8's, turbo's and 6's. |
Scott Vim
TryHard
Vic
Soarer (1uz) Chaser (1jz)
Posts: 184
Reg: 12-2010
|
The rule that has been in place for years (the old which will apply to you) is no more 165kw per tonne. I don't know if the soarer exceeds that.
Yeah I guess you would only go 3rd party. It's hard to believe that soarers are the cheap P plater cars now. I had an 86' celica on my p's. Used to give that thing HELL. I'm glad it was a FWD cause I would have crashed it otherwise. |
Mike Triggs
Goo Roo
Western NSW
3.0GT G-Pack
Posts: 1615
Reg: 07-2005
|
Scott Vim wrote on Tuesday, July 12, 2011 - 12:49 pm:The rule that has been in place for years (the old which will apply to you) is no more 165kw per tonne. I don't know if the soarer exceeds that
It would discount both TT and V8 Soarer (208 & 192kW respectively) perhaps but the 3.0 n/a would be OK. They're 162-168kW depending on year/model. Depends on the state too, I think NSW disallows all turbo/petrol cars, even the Smart, rather than there being an absolute power limit. Glen is in SA so could be different again.
Actually just reread that: 165kW per tonne? That's heaps! Soarer is 1600-1650kg so that means around 270-275kW allowable! |
Damian Ware
Goo Roo
Victoria
UZZ32
Posts: 2061
Reg: 10-2005
|
It was 125kw per tonne. |
Shane Haverkamp
DieHard
nsw
soarer TT
Posts: 562
Reg: 10-2007
|
as long as you had your p's before those rules come in your fine. means you've had you license for a while, my fat brother has been on his reds for almost 2 or 3 years, just to lazy to do anything about it other then renew.
insurance wise i had to hunt around for insurance and the other people that would touch me (not sexually) where just cars. i didn't want comprehensive at the time and they where about the only who'd offer a reasonable amount for 3rd party.
i kinda wish i'd gone a V8 now instead of the twin turbo, just for all the luxury features as i've kept my car stock until now (lsd and manualising her) |
Damian Ware
Goo Roo
Victoria
UZZ32
Posts: 2063
Reg: 10-2005
|
According to his profile he is 18 years old.....
Glen how much driving experience do you have?? |
Glen Fernandes
Tinkerer
South Australia
TT
Posts: 9
Reg: 08-2010
|
Damian Ware wrote on Wednesday, July 13, 2011 - 10:21 am:
Glen how much driving experience do you have??
Well it will be 2 years, I am on my P2's now (so no P plates so I draw less attention ) and I'll be able to get my full license soon. |
Gary Redman
TryHard
NSW
Accord Euro Luxury
Posts: 461
Reg: 09-2005
|
I hate the thought of 18 year drivers in TT's
They just have too much squirt for anyone that hasn't had much experience with the back end breaking free under acceleration etc. |
Edison Koh
TryHard
NSW
JZZ30 VVTi
Posts: 180
Reg: 08-2010
|
Not sure if having a torsen would help. My current soarer behaves very differently from the previous one. The previous TT is rather tail happy if I stomp it from a stand still. Buying new thread if the old ones arent up to standard helps a ton too.
Its all in the driver's mind when it comes to irresponsible driving. Even corollas can get into bad crashes. Just bear in mind that the soarer is mostly for show unless you mod it for Go. Use the extra oomph for normal overtaking or if someone really pisses you off.
Else, if the driver wishes to show boat get a proper car like an AMG or M series. That way even if you crash, you get attention and your efforts dont go to waste. |
Damian Ware
Goo Roo
Victoria
UZZ32
Posts: 2065
Reg: 10-2005
|
Glen Fernandes wrote on Wednesday, July 13, 2011 - 06:41 pm:Well it will be 2 years,
So you got your licence when you where 16?? |
Ian Johnston
Goo Roo
South Australia
UZZ30 GT 4.0, BA XR6Turbo Ute.
Posts: 1405
Reg: 07-2005
|
You could in South Australia. Has changed now I think. |
Glen Fernandes
Tinkerer
South Australia
TT
Posts: 10
Reg: 08-2010
|
Yes Damian 16, but now the rules have changed to 17 I think?
Ok guys, cheers for the advice I reckon I'll get a Soarer later, because I really want to permanently convert to the enhanced driving experience of a manual,so I reckon I might sell my Camry and get a manual for a while and save up and get a nice manual Soarer a couple years later.
Thanks heaps for the advice!
And don't incriminate every 18 year old, there is a small minority that is actually sensible, generalization isn't fair but I can understand why you do it, the majority of us youngins are idiotic on the road.
Oh well, good manual recommendations? |
Damian Ware
Goo Roo
Victoria
UZZ32
Posts: 2066
Reg: 10-2005
|
No worries I wasn't aware of SA licence at 16.
Yes not all young people are stupid or poorly skilled drivers but our standard of testing currently lets people with near zero car control drive. Given this accounts for 90-95% of young drivers it is very safe to assume they (in this case you) wont have the required skills.
But there are always exceptions to the rules and you could be one of those, I used to drive a 10.91 second car when I first got my licence this didn't cause me any problems other than fuel bills. |
Damian Ware
Goo Roo
Victoria
UZZ32
Posts: 2067
Reg: 10-2005
|
Glen Fernandes wrote on Friday, July 15, 2011 - 09:03 pm:Oh well, good manual recommendations?
What size car?
Corrolla or switching to a manual camry. |
Nathan Richardson
DieHard
N.T.
UZZ32 #445 (V8 Supercherged 5Speed. 291RWKW)
Posts: 538
Reg: 02-2006
|
Glen Fernandes wrote on Friday, July 15, 2011 - 09:03 pm:Oh well, good manual recommendations?
A Honda Civic.  |
Ali Saeed
Goo Roo
WA
UZZ31
Posts: 3551
Reg: 09-2007
|
starlet |
Nathan Richardson
DieHard
N.T.
UZZ32 #445 (V8 Supercherged 5Speed. 291RWKW)
Posts: 543
Reg: 02-2006
|
Dacia Sandero |
Mike Beck
Goo Roo
New Zealand
E36 Coupe
Posts: 5353
Reg: 11-2005
|
Glen Fernandes wrote on Saturday, July 09, 2011 - 06:54 pm:I have driven a V8 Soarer before it handles SO much better than my Camry,
Wow, a Camry must be truly shocking considering a Soarer is as dull a drive as it is eating porage... without sugar. |
Shane Haverkamp
DieHard
nsw
soarer TT
Posts: 569
Reg: 10-2007
|
maybe look at a celica. fairly cheap and decent looking kinda light and come in manual. only problem is they're fwd |
Matthew Sharpe
Goo Roo
North Island
JZZ31
Posts: 6413
Reg: 10-2005
|
Mike Beck wrote on Saturday, July 16, 2011 - 09:44 pm:Wow, a Camry must be truly shocking considering a Soarer is as dull a drive as it is eating porage... without sugar.
I hired a 2011 Camrey while in the South Island recently and drove it from Dunedin to Oamaru - I can indeed confirm it was very dull to drive - though it was comfortable and quiet. Really exactly what you would expect/want from a mid sized saloon. My kids loved it too, sent them both right off to sleep, and they slept the whole way. |
Dave Rose
Goo Roo
wa
uzz31 v8
Posts: 1627
Reg: 03-2007
|
Mike Beck wrote on Saturday, July 16, 2011 - 09:44 pm:Wow, a Camry must be truly shocking considering a Soarer is as dull a drive as it is eating porage... without sugar.
If you want hard seats and a hard ride BMW is the one to go for, drove most models at the car yard.
Soarers just feel right ,I had to swerve once at high speed to miss a dog, could not get over how well it reacted.Sorry Mike I will stick to my smooth ,quite, late model v8 until i get to drive something better |
Edison Koh
TryHard
NSW
JZZ30 VVTi
Posts: 184
Reg: 08-2010
|
I would agree with Shane, wouldnt go wrong with a celica manual. Get a ST202. It looks like a soarer upfront with more rounded features. |
James Buchan
Goo Roo
Vic
V8
Posts: 1153
Reg: 10-2008
|
I had a 97 4cyl manual camry with the 5S-FE and I can say that it never put a foot wrong. Not entertaining to drive but you could put it so hard into corners knowing that all it would do was understeer. You've gotta stoop to a Hyndai Getz or a Ford laser before i'll say it's shocking.
My soarer with the TRD Bilsteins is a much more engaging car, and could hardly be described as dull  I've driven a E39 535i, and it wasn't anymore engaging to drive than my Soarer. Probably needed more grunt though, heh! |
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